Passenger train services will remain suspended till May 17
As the Center extended the nationwide lockdown further till May 17, Indian Railways announced that the passenger train services will remain suspended for another two weeks. The press release issued by Indian Railways stated, "In continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, it has been decided that the cancellation of all passenger train services on Indian Railways shall be extended till May 17, 2020."
However, the movement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students, and other persons stranded at different places shall be carried out by Shramik special trains, as required by the state governments, in terms of the guidelines issued by MHA.
Meanwhile, the freight and parcel train operations will continue, as at present.
The Railways on March 24 had announced the suspension of all passenger services in the wake of coronavirus situation in the country. The suspension was extended till May 3, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the second phase of nationwide lockdown in a bid to curb the COVID-19 spread. It said that the full refund would be provided to its online customers for trains cancelled up to May 3, while those who have booked at the counters can take refund till July 31.
This is the third time Indian Railways is suspending its passenger train services to avoid public gathering and spread of coronavirus.
